In a welcome turn of events, Kenya Power has decided to ease the financial burden on its prepaid customers by slightly reducing token charges. This reduction in token prices comes alongside a statement by the company’s CEO, Joseph Siror, highlighting the affordability of electricity as an energy source in Kenya. The move is positive for consumers, as they can now enjoy more electricity for their money.
For every Ksh100 spent on electricity tokens in September, customers now receive 3.76 units of electricity, a noticeable improvement compared to the 3.67 units in August and 3.59 units in July. This reduction in token prices is especially noteworthy, considering Kenya Power had introduced new tariffs in April, initially causing concerns among Kenyans that prices might skyrocket by up to 78 percent.
In discussions with the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), Kenya Power stated its intention to phase out subsidies to support low-income households. This move marked the first instance since 2018 that the power transmission company adjusted power tariffs upwards. At the time, President William Ruto reassured the Kenyan public that removing subsidies would not increase token prices. He stated firmly, “I want to assure the country that there will be no additional charges today or in the future on electricity bills for the people of Kenya.”
In a bid to address concerns, Kenya Power firmly denied media reports on August 8th, which claimed that the company had been inflating electricity bills by up to 20 percent. The company emphasized that such narratives were geared towards creating a false perception of the cost of electricity and tarnishing the brand’s reputation.
With this recent reduction in token charges, Kenya Power is taking a step in the right direction by offering its prepaid customers a more affordable and reliable source of electricity, thus enhancing the energy landscape in Kenya.
